In normal average rainfall years it can do very well with just a little care. Once a   year weed-n-feed program kills the few weeds that might emerge and feeds enough  for the year. Or divide the requirements into seasonal fertilization schedules. The texture is said to be coarser than the so-called better grasses, but  this may be due to the lack of moisture in a given season. Proper care in maintenance (mowing or watering) and this grass will compete against weeds on its own. Definitely not suited for higher traffic areas and slow to repair but I have found this grass to be a "take care of on the run grass" for busy lifestyles. As long as it  doesn't get mown too short between times  Read our FAQ (frequently asked questions) page for more information about centipede grass.

NCSU Cooperative Extension:
Centipedegrass Lawn Maint. Calendar AG-381

University of Georgia CES:
http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/L313-w.html

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Maintenance: Low to medium with yearly fertilization and possible additions of iron sulfate or chelate on heavier soils with pH higher than 7.2 and on sandy soils higher than 6.5; regular mowing and watering when necessary. Potassium might have to be added in the spring and fall to encourage root development and help to winterize the lawn.

Watering: In the starting stages the ground should be kept moist, not soaked until established seedlings take root. Water four to eight (depending upon sandiness) inches deep at the time to establish a deeper root system because centipede is not as drought tolerant as some other grasses. Shallow watering only provides for the root system to establish just under the soil.  Medium to low water usage depending upon the weather.  In drought conditions water thoroughly as with all grasses.

Mowing Depends upon growth and the lawn you want to achieve. Proper mowing should be determined by
1 ½ - 2 inches - www.lawn-mowing.com

Fertilization: Low to medium if at all with nitrogen and potassium and no phosphorus as this depletes the iron levels; a good application would be 15-0-15.   16-4-8 is also a recommended fertilizer for Centipede.  Centipede is not responsive to high rates of fertilizers.  Fertilizer should be added at the time of planting, with additional yearly application.  Iron chlorosis can be a problem.   Chelated or ferrous sulfate is recommended for improving the iron deficiency --- Also balancing the pH to a more acidic level can help.  It adapts best to a soil pH of 5.0 to 5.5.

Weed Control is needed in the winter to discourage weed growth while the grass is dormant in the cooler areas. Herbicides of a hormonal type can be used at this time for the broad-leafed weeds and other weeds can be controlled with pre-emergence herbicides.

Diseases that are common are brown patch and dollar spot.

Ryegrass Overseeding - Most experts recommend that you do NOT overseed your centipede lawn with a winter ryegrass.  It can in some situations result in thinning out (killing) of your lawn over time due to the added stress of early spring competition.  Fescue in general is a better overseed variety to use (not ryegrass).  However in general the best recommendation is to do nothing.

Pests that affect Centipede include nematodes and ground pearls. Nematodes & ground pearls can usually be prevented by keeping the moisture level up since each grows well in sandier, drier areas. Your last resort will be fumigation of the soil for nematodes infestations.  Nematodes are the most serious of the pest problems affecting Centipede grass.  Infected areas will show heavy wilt even under good watering practices.  Other insects affecting Centipede are spittlebugs, sod webworms, mole crickets, caterpillars and grubs.

Centipede decline is a problem in some centipede lawns.  this occurs after a few years of an established lawn's life and is usually indicative or some underlying problems.  Symptoms are yellow spots in lawn (also caused by iron chlorosis) and dead spots in spring growth.  Causes of the decline can be any one or combination of these practices or conditions:

• Excessive nitrogen applications
• High Soil pH (Greater than 6.5)
• Nematodes and other organisms.
• Excessive thatch causing cold damage to roots.